Aaron Lewis Asks for Nation’s Forgiveness After National Anthem Mess Up [Watch]

Aaron Lewis says he is “completely torn up" about messing up the lyrics to the National Anthem prior to Game 5 of the World Series on Sunday night (Oct. 26). The singer asked for forgiveness after replacing one early line with another that comes later in the song.

Lewis took the field in San Francisco to perform ‘The Star Spangled Banner,’ and his performance began without incident. However, instead of singing “at the twilight’s last gleaming” he said “were so gallantly streaming.” When that lyric came later during the song, he repeated it. In fact, he finished the performance without visually recognizing his error. The crowd gave him a strong ovation, but there was audible unrest immediately following the mistake.

"All I can say is I'm sorry and ask for the nation's forgiveness,” Lewis said at his official website. He continues:

“My nerves got the best of me and I am completely torn up about what happened. America is the greatest country in the world. ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ means so much to so many, including myself. I hope everyone can understand the intensity of the situation and my true intent of this performance. I hope that the Nation, Major League Baseball and the many fans of our national pastime can forgive me.”

Lewis is the lead singer of the rock band Staind, but since 2011 he’s released four country singles, including ‘Country Boy’ and ‘Granddaddy’s Gun.’ His biggest hit was ‘Endless Summer,’ which peaked just inside the Top 40.